From 1 October, changes to National Energy Market rules, that meant all new home gas connections would now be obligated to pay this charge, was overturned by the SA government, with the necessary legislation passing smoothly through Parliament last week, thanks to all concerned.

In the midst of a housing affordability and availability crisis, it makes no sense to increase costs to new homeowners unnecessarily. This is a very pragmatic and sensible decision by the SA Government to pass legislation that removes this requirement.

Millions of gas users Australia-wide have not had to pay for the full cost of gas connections in the past. Forcing this now onto first home buyers in particular, who are already facing increasing financial pressures, is completely unfair. This is not about favouring one energy source over another, this is about choice.